I found the Magnavox 252MX hi-fi console at a Salvation Army thrift store for $20. It is missing the record changer and someone rigged up a pot to the speakers and was apparently using it as an extension speaker or perhaps for a guitar?

I didn't turn up anything on it on Google, and even a search on Sams didn't turn up a Photofact. The speaker date codes indicate a 1956 or 1957 model. There are four Magnavox branded 6V6 tubes in the amp.

The cabinet is in excellent condition and other than the missing changer, it appears to be complete. I would like to restore it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Ed ,

I has a magnavox 142 amp chassis in it , It is a mono amp with a preamp in the tuner section .I have a changer you can have when you swing through this area .
Go to magnavox yahoo group and some kind soul their will have the schematic .
Magnavoxfriends@yahoogroups.com
Mark

Mark, that is fantastic! Our plans are still the same. I'll be in touch. I looked for the amp chassis number and found this stamped on the right side. It looks like this amp is the 132AA. I wonder what the difference is? It looks a lot like the photos of the 142 amps.

I think I was wrong on the date of manufacture. I was looking at the code at the bottom of the magnet bracket.I think the correct code is the "P-232443" number.

The date of manufacture of the speaker is the 43rd week of 1954, which I guess should be the week of October 10 - 16, 1954. Does the P in the source code may stand for Permanent magnet speaker or is it a quality code?

In the photo in the post above, "4 45" is stamped above the amp model number. Could the date of manufacture for the amp then be the 45th week of 1954?

And here's a photo of the tuner chassis number:

So the tuner should be a model CR 700 AA?

Looking at the speakers, I'd say that they are made by Magnavox. I think that the date codes on the two chassis tell the story. The first digit is the year, the 45 week of the year, and the shift when it was finished. I just went all the way through my Magnavox book where then service notes for this set should be, and they go all around it.

It's a Magnasonic record player, possibly with the optional tuner, but I could be wrong. The amplifier is almost the same as on the Regency-Symphony and Belvedere sets of the late forties. I have a Magnasonic without the receiver chassis. There's a place for the tuner, but it wasn't bought for mine.

The changer in mine is either a Collaro or the Magnavox version of it. Evidently, the board for the changer needs to be made, and another changer should be relatively easy to find. The changer probably had a Ronette pickup in it. They sound very good.

That was a real find. I've had my Magnasonic for probably 30 years, and it kicks out some mighty good sound. Mine was given to me, but 40 bucks is still a steal!!

Thanks, Doug. I wondered what the '1' stood for. The speakers definitely have the Magnavox manufacturer code of 232. This unit does have the AM/FM tuner along with the phono input and a line input for a TV. I've posted a better shot of the radio front below.

Battradio@ says he has a changer that for it, so I'll be talking with him about that. I've seen some Magnavox changers on eBay that were also made by Webster Chicago, although I don't know if they went in this console.

I'm looking forward to getting it up and running, although I won't be able to start on it for another month or so.

I just found the SAM's Photofact for this console on eBay! My lucky day.

Nice combo!

Magnavox sure knew how to pack LOTS of electronics into a small package!

-Steve

Sams folder 260-9 covers both the amp and tuner. I don't think I have it though...

No problem, Tom. I lucked out and found one on eBay this morning. Should be here next week.

Judging by the paper capacitors near the speakers this console must have tweeters in front of the 12" woofers.

I haven't looked yet, but from what I have read about this console series, I believe you are correct.

Nice. I bought mine about 15 years ago in Virginia at an antique store, not as good a deal as you though. Nice set when working. Good sound. Mine has the original turntable, but lately I'm having issues with it, idler wheel dried up and hard. Good luck on that.

Hi, welcome to ARF. Check with Gary Stork at Voice of Music. He may be able to help you out or point you in the right direction to restore your idler wheel.

http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/default.asp

Could you post a photo of your turntable? Also if you know the model number of the turntable, I'd would very much like to know it.

Being a '54 model it probably used Webcor 3-speed record changer with a Magnavox Pianissimo pickup. It's a nice set.